The Beatles? Really?

I'm 37 years old, and I've never been a Beatles fan. I mean, I've always been aware of them, and I've always appreciated (from afar) their contribution to rock 'n roll. I've always liked "Twist and Shout," but only because it was used (to great effect) in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Oh, and it's also worth mentioning that one of my all-time favorite songs is "Watching the Wheels" by John Lennon. Other than those two things, The Beatles have never really blipped on my radar. A few years back, my good friend Bill Huelbig hooked me up with a strings-only instrumental recording of "Strawberry Fields Forever," which just blew me away. However, I remained relatively unmoved when it came to the ol' Fab Four.

Something's changed. I can't even begin to explain how or why. About a week ago I inexplicably borrowed a copy of their second album With the Beatles from the library and listened to it on the drive home from work. And yep, I was hooked. My OCD tendencies kicked in, and I embarked on a mission: I would collect everything they ever recorded for the ultimate mp3 archive (I've done this many times with many other recording artists, which explains why my poor iPod is just about busting at the seams). In one week's time, I've amassed eight of their albums. The library appears to carry their entire catalogue, so it shouldn't take too terribly long to complete the mission. The process is simple: I borrow the CD, rip it to my computer, and put it on my iPod.

So sue me, I'm a total music pirate. But wait, it's not like I'm making any money, so I guess I'm not a pirate… a common thief, I guess. But in all fairness to me, it's rare that I've ever ripped a CD instead of purchasing it. If it's something I want to own, I buy it (and I've got the iTunes receipts to prove it). And hey, music is ART, damn it. It should be enjoyed by the masses for free, especially when it comes to past artists (like The Beatles) who aren't producing new material anymore. John and George don't need money where they are now, and hell, Paul and Ringo are billionaires anyway, right? I ain't hurting anybody, fer Chrissakes.

My favorite song (so far)? It's a tie between "Taxman" and "Eleanor Rigby," but I'm sure that'll change as I delve deeper into the Beatles goldmine. Wow, I can't believe I lived 37 ½ years without loving them. I guess it's never too late to wake up….

The upcoming movie Across the Universe, which didn't interest me before, is now suddenly piquing my interest. Probably the OCD rearing its ugly (cat)head….